Mischievous cheetah cubs are a handful. The eight-week-old animals made the most of their play time on a savanna by tussling as their mother rested. One cub in the litter of six sought attention from its mother, named Kisaru, as she lay down while another disturbed her as she tried to stretch. /VCG
Wildlife photographer Jacques-Andre Dupont, 55, took these photographs at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Pay attention to the silver "cape" the cubs have: It is believed to mimic a honey badger, which is famous for its fearlessness, and can act as camouflage for the cubs.
Female cheetahs usually give birth to three to five cubs, who start walking around two weeks old. They start following their mothers everywhere at six weeks and become restless and playful. However, they cannot hunt until six months; and may not successfully get themselves a meal until 15 months of age. Before that, cheetah cubs rely on their mothers. For one or two years, they stay with family and share everything. Even as young adults, cheetahs may hunt as a team with their siblings.
(Cover photo via VCG)
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